Jeans are still skinny, tops are fluid and soft, and accessories run the gamut from ultraslender belts to zebra-print bags. But no matter the trend, the focus at Project is on a top-quality garment that sits on the cutting edge of fashion.
“We’ll be doing a lot of different washes that involve overdyeing on light denim,” said Robin Chretien, creator and owner of Robin’s Jean in Los Angeles. While slim and straight-leg styles will still be the major trend, Chretien will also show wider legs, including some boot cuts. He is also offering medium-rise jeans.
High-waist and high-rise styles will be important at Chip & Pepper, according to a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles-based company. She described the men’s and women’s offerings at Project as “day-to-night items, things you can wear to the beach followed by lunch and dinner.” The women’s collection is filled with airy cottons, including a colorful plaid strapless dress.
Los Angeles company Mighty Fine is using Project as a launchpad for a collection called Public Library, which features original artwork on knit tops. Justin Watson, marketing director for Public Library, said the line, made from soft, body-hugging cotton and cashmere, has an upscale feel. Watson added that cashmere would also make an appearance in the Mighty Fine collection, this time shaped in longer tunic styles.
Eccentric Symphony, the Los Angeles label established by singer Nikki Lund and champion surfer Maikai Makena — and worn by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman and Kate Beckinsale — will add a “more tailored” collection of dresses, skirts, shoes and scarves to its casual Eccentric Symphony Active line. Eccentric Symphony Black features hand-beaded cotton net, cotton voile and polyester burnouts that are embellished with sterling silver and brass sequin appliqués.
For those taking multiple lines to Project, diversity seems to be the name of the game. Marty Fishman, owner of St. Maarten U.S.A. in Dallas, is showing six lines at the show. One of them, Muchacha, is a Barcelona-inspired line offering intricate details on its clothes. Another, Ulapaso, is based on hand-painted silk tops and linen bottoms offered in a contemporary fit.
“The skinny fit is in right now, but we’re also seeing a continuation of three-quarter pants and a strong influence in shorts,” said Fishman.
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In a “sea of denims,” bottoms in alternative fabrics would be a hit, Fishman said. “When you get something original and fresh in a wonderful cotton with some stretch to it, it’s a great find.” He predicted that cargo pants would resurface, looking new with just a single pocket.
As for accessories, David Sack, president and chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based belt company Streets Ahead Inc., said elements such as metallics — especially gold — and bold shades of black, white and red are as important in belts and handbags as they are in apparel. Patent leather, animal prints such as cheetah and zebra and braided belts are also strong for holiday, Sack said. “And bows have made their comeback, in patent and smooth, mixed with gold and silver chains.”
Streets Ahead’s distressed and washed leathers match the sensibility of denim, while the skinny-leg jeans wearer will demand equally skinny belts. On the other side of the spectrum, wide-waist, sash and double-wrap belts are another strong trend.